The Constitution: Let’s re-read the constitution – Part 2

Thursday

Jul 18, 2013 at 2:00 AMJul 18, 2013 at 11:00 PM

In Part 1, the reason for a "citizen’s view" was put forth. Playing on that point, it is most interesting to note that the entire Constitution plus the Declaration of Independence and several pages of introduction are contained in a pocket-size brochure measuring just 6-1/2 by 3-1/4 inches.

Hillard Welch

In Part 1, the reason for a “citizen’s view” was put forth. Playing on that point, it is most interesting to note that the entire Constitution plus the Declaration of Independence and several pages of introduction are contained in a pocket-size brochure measuring just 6-1/2 by 3-1/4 inches. The entire brochure consists of just 52 pages. Contrast that, if you will, with the 1,000-plus-page documents which the present Congress is turning out, unread, on an almost weekly basis, and you can appreciate the wisdom and knowledge of our Founding Fathers.

They didn’t waste words. They chose them carefully and with a full understanding of their meaning. There were no “big” words, unusual words, foreign words or unfamiliar words even in today’s distorted slanguage! They, literally, wanted and expected every citizen to be able to read, appreciate and understand what was written. While they knew it was a “contract” between the states and a “new federal government.” the citizens were to act within their respective states to accept or reject it. Despite the simplicity of the document, it was a struggle to have it ratified by nine states in order for it to be put into operation. An entire series of articles known today as the Federalist Papers was written to educate the general public as to the merits of the new form of government and thereby seek their approval.

In Part 1, it was noted that the government was to be the servant of the people and not the reverse (certainly not to the extent to which we find ourselves today). Viewed in that light, the federal government’s responsibilities are to protect the citizen’s natural rights and provide a level playing field for each individual to prosper to whatever honest extent possible. In the basic document, the federal government is granted only 17 defined powers (the 18th one provides Congress the power to pass laws to execute the other 17). All 17 stipulate only actions best performed by a federal government in pursuit of maintaining a free and independent nation, managing its own affairs and being prepared to defend its territory and citizens should the need arise.

Despite their best efforts, they were not able to garner the required support until they agreed to add what is known as the Bill of Rights (the first 10 amendments to the Constitution). The Founders’ word was good and the first Congress proceeded to create the required amendments. How different from what we find today where Congress can pass a law and it is almost immediately disregarded in the execution. The immigration laws for the past decade or so would be but one example.

On another subject: the 1st Amendment begins: “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof: . . .” That means only one thing: the federal government cannot dictate a national religion or prevent you or me from expressing our own conviction. There is no mention of “separation of church and state,” so where does that idea come from? All the words state quite clearly, “when it comes to religion, Federal Government, keep your hands off!” Yet, there are those today who keep trying to inject meanings that are not there.

There is no substitute for reading, even re-reading, the Constitution to know what it says. In so doing, you’ll come to appreciate what the Founding Fathers gave us and why we should defend and protect it for ourselves and our posterity. To be continued.